Washington D.C., April 9, 2025 — In a significant move set to impact the import of popular low-cost products, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order raising tariffs on small packages sent from China. The new duties, which are set to go into effect on May 2, will increase the rate from 30% to 90% on “low-value imports” from China.
The White House released details of the executive order on Tuesday, confirming that the new tariffs will be applied to goods valued at $800 or below. This increase comes alongside a broader hike in duties on Chinese goods, which will see tariffs rise from 34% to 84%.
The decision follows Trump’s earlier move to cancel the duty-free exemption for goods valued at $800 or less, a rule that had been used extensively in recent years, particularly by Chinese-founded online retailers such as Shein and Temu. These retailers have seen rapid growth, contributing to a surge in shipments taking advantage of the exemption.
Under the new tariff structure, products imported from China will be subject to a duty of either 30% of their value or $25 per item, with the rate increasing to $50 per item starting June 1. The duties will climb further to 90% with a per-item rate of $75 from May 2, escalating to $150 per item starting June 1.
The White House has indicated that this new measure is aimed at curbing the influx of low-cost Chinese goods, which have disrupted the US market in recent years. However, the move has already drawn sharp criticism from businesses, especially smaller US retailers who rely on inexpensive imports from China.
Earlier this year, Trump briefly rescinded the customs exemption after the policy caused significant logistical disruptions, but he reversed the decision following backlash from affected parties. China’s response to the latest tariff escalation was swift, with officials accusing the US of “politicizing trade” and using tariffs as a tool for economic leverage.
The long-term impact of these changes remains uncertain, but it is likely to have far-reaching effects on e-commerce, importers, and consumers alike.